Sony has introduced two new wireless headphones, the WH-CH730N and the WH-CH530, which replace the popular mid-range and entry-level CH series. The WH-CH730N costs 119.99 euros and features active noise cancellation, while the WH-CH530 starts at 59.99 euros as a sleeker version without noise cancellation. Both have been available in Germany since September 7, 2026.
In a nutshell: Sony WH-CH730N (€119.99) with active noise canceling, up to 50 hours of battery life, and five color options. Sony WH-CH530 (€59.99) without ANC, but with up to 55 hours of battery life and six color options. Both support Multipoint, LE Audio, Fast Pair, and Swift Pair; they launched on September 7, 2026.
Sony WH-CH730N: Your Gateway to Noise Cancellation
The WH-CH730N is the more expensive of the two new models and, according to Sony, is aimed at “commuters, hybrid workers, students, and anyone who wants to enjoy music, podcasts, or other content undisturbed while on the go.” For noise cancellation, Sony relies on its proprietary Dual Noise Sensor technology, which is also used in more expensive models like the WH-1000XM6, albeit in a scaled-down version.
During phone calls, beamforming microphones with AI-powered noise cancellation and optimized microphone placement are designed to ensure clearer voice quality. Convenient for anyone who switches between a cell phone and a laptop: The WH-CH730N connects to two devices simultaneously via Multipoint, supports LE Audio, and offers quick pairing via Fast Pair and Swift Pair. According to Sony, the battery lasts up to 50 hours with noise cancellation enabled, and if you’re in a hurry, a three-minute charge provides enough power for another hour of music. The headphones are foldable and lightweight—a feature not commonly found in models in this price range. Color options include black, white, pink, blue, and beige.
Sony WH-CH530: An Affordable Entry-Level Option Without ANC
If you can do without active noise cancellation, go for the WH-CH530. At 59.99 euros, this on-ear model costs about half as much as its bigger sibling and is clearly positioned as an entry point into the wireless world. Sony also promises AI-powered noise cancellation here, though only for hands-free calls, not for music playback itself.
When it comes to battery life, the situation is actually the opposite of the WH-CH730N: Without the power-consuming ANC circuitry, the WH-CH530 lasts up to 55 hours. The fast-charging feature delivers about 90 minutes of playback after just three minutes of charging. It also features Multipoint, LE Audio, Fast Pair, and Swift Pair, as well as support for voice assistants. There’s a wider range of colors to choose from: black, white, pink, cobalt, coral, and mint—one more color option than the WH-CH730N.
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Model | Sony WH-CH730N | Sony WH-CH530 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Over-ear, foldable | On-ear |
| Noise Cancellation | Yes (dual noise sensor) | No |
| Battery life | Up to 50 hours (ANC on) | Up to 55 hours |
| Fast charging | 3 min. = 1 hr. of playback | 3 min. = 90 min. of playback |
| Connectivity | Multipoint, LE Audio, Fast Pair, Swift Pair | Multipoint, LE Audio, Fast Pair, Swift Pair |
| Colors | Black, White, Pink, Blue, Beige | Black, White, Pink, Cobalt, Coral, Mint |
| Price (MSRP) | €119.99 | €59.99 |
Prices and Availability
Both models have been available in Germany since September 7, 2026, directly from Sony and at major electronics retailers. According to a report by connect.de, for users who prefer an included USB-C cable instead of an optional charging cable, there are also variants with the model numbers WH-CH735N and WH-CH535, which are offered at the same price.
Context: Where the new models fit in
Sony has long proven with the XM series that good noise cancellation starts at the 300 to 400 euro price range. The WH-CH730N shows just how much of that you get for a third of the price: solid noise cancellation and good battery life, but without the fine-tuning in sound and build quality found in the high-end models. Anyone who’s ever read a review of Bose QuietComfort headphones knows just how competitive the mid-range market has become. But competition isn’t just coming from established manufacturers: Sonos also wants to break into this segment with the Ace Ultra.
Whether the premium for the WH-CH730N over the WH-CH530 is worth it ultimately depends on how often you listen in noisy environments. Commuters on the train or in an open-plan office are likely to be happier with the noise-canceling feature, while those who wear the headphones mainly at home or while exercising will probably get just as much out of the more affordable WH-CH530—and save 60 euros in the process.
